Definition

Bruising easily
means that the small blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin break easily
and frequently. They then leak blood into the surrounding tissue and create discolorations.

Alternative Names

Easy bruising,
or increased tendency to bruise.

Overview

Most of us get
bruises from bumping into something from time to time. Bruising sometimes
increases with age. This is especially true in women as the capillary walls
become more fragile and the skin becomes thin. Medications that may increase a
person’s tendency to bleed include:

aspirin

warfarin

steroids

clopidogrel

other medications used to
prevent clotting (blood thinners)

The occasional
bruise typically doesn’t cause much medical concern. If you’re bruising easily,
with large bruises or bleeding elsewhere it could be a sign of a serious
medical condition that warrants attention.

It’s important
to be aware that unexplained bruising may be a sign of domestic violence or
abuse. Your doctors are required by law to ask you questions to make sure you
are safe in your domestic situation.

Associated Diagnoses

Other diagnoses or associated conditions that can cause easy
bruising include:

acquired platelet
function disorder

brittle bone disease

celiac disease

Christmas disease

chronic kidney
failure

Cushings syndrome

end stage kidney
disease

factor II deficiency

factor V deficiency

factor VII deficiency

factor X deficiency

german measles

glomerulonephritis

hairy cell leukemia

leukemia

hemophila A

low platelet count

medullary cystic
disease

paroxysmal nocturnal
hemoglobinuria

Von Willebrand
disease

Diagnosis and Treatment

Blood tests will
probably be done to measure the level of platelets and the time it takes your
blood to coagulate (clot). If there is swelling and pain with bruising, the
first line of treatment is to apply a cold compress. If an extremity is
involved, elevate the arm or leg and apply a cold compress for 20 minutes until
the swelling is reduced. After the swelling is reduced, you may apply a warm
compress to help reabsorb the blood.

When To Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor
if you’re bruising more frequently than usual and if bruising is accompanied by
bleeding from anywhere else, such as in the urine.